Strategic priority areas of the Finnish Foreign Service in 2018–2022The strategic priorities of the Foreign Service -- Foreign and security policy aims to strengthen Finland’s international position, to secure Finland’s independence and regional integrity as well as to improve the security and welfare of people in Finland. Taking note of global interdependencies, Finland promotes sustainable development as well as international stability, peace, democracy, human rights, the rule of law and equality.The Ministry has defined the strategic priorities for its activities, to be advanced through cooperation between different policy sectors and different functions.Ministry for Foreign Affairs of FinlandMFAF_b0900e22-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea00The wellbeing of the people of Finland is enhanced._b0900f8a-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea00To strengthen Finland’s international position, secure Finland’s independence and regional integrity as well as to improve the security and welfare of people in Finland._b09010c0-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea00Sustainable DevelopmentInternational StabilityPeaceDemocracyHuman RightsRule of LawEqualitySecurity & WellbeingEnhance the security and wellbeing of Finland and its inhabitants._b090119c-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea001EUThe Foreign Service will enhance the security and wellbeing of Finland and its inhabitants by working to improve the security and stability of the country and its neighbouring areas and by contributing to international security and stability. The aim of the Foreign Service is a unified, strong and operationally capable EU that focuses especially on growth and security. The remaining 27 EU Member States have started a process of development that will require Finland to actively present its views together with likeminded countries, and to engage in long-term commitment, for example to the EU as a security community. Concrete results must be reached particularly in efforts to deepen the single market, promote free trade, strengthen the EU’s external action and defence cooperation and manage migration.EUStrengthen the EU's ability to act and to reinforce its global role._b09012b4-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea001.1EUThe Foreign Service will make full use of the opportunities offered by Finland's forthcoming EU Presidency in 2019 to strengthen the EU's ability to act and to reinforce its global role.Baltic Sea RegionPromote the stability, security and prosperity of the Baltic Sea region._b09014b2-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea001.2SwedenIt will intensify practical cooperation especially with Sweden.Nordic CountriesIt will also draw on Nordic cooperation in dealing with both regional and international challenges.The Foreign Service will promote the stability, security and prosperity of the Baltic Sea region.United StatesPromote political and economic cooperation with the United States._b09015de-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea001.3United StatesThe Foreign Service will promote political and economic cooperation with the United States and will focus especially on getting its own views heard.NATODevelop cooperation between Finland and NATO._b09016b0-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea001.4NATONATO will play a key role in the promotion of transatlantic security. The Foreign Service will develop broad-based cooperation between Finland and NATO.Arctic RegionPromote stability and the economic potential of the Arctic region._b0901782-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea001.5Arctic StatesArctic CouncilDuring its Chairmanship of the Arctic Council (2017–2019), Finland is seeking to consolidate the Council's position and to advance the national interests of Finland.Stability and the economic potential of the Arctic region will be promoted in cooperation with the other Arctic States.RussiaDevelop contacts with Russia based on the two-track policy pursued by the EU._b0901912-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea001.6RussiaUkraineThe Foreign Service will develop its contacts with Russia based on the two-track policy pursued by the EU. The jointly imposed restrictive measures against Russia will be observed and dialogue with Russia will be continued on selected matters of interest to Finland and the EU. Normalising cooperation between the EU and Russia is conditional upon finding a resolution to the Ukraine crisis and upon Russia's compliance with international law and its other international commitments. The Foreign Service will continue to actively influence the shaping of the European Union's common policy on Russia.Conflict ResolutionParticipate in conflict resolution and in the rebuilding of societies through crisis management, peacebuilding and development cooperation._b09019f8-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea001.7The Foreign Service will participate in conflict resolution and in the rebuilding of societies through crisis management, peacebuilding and development cooperation.Mediation & DialogueEmphasise the role of mediation and dialogue in foreign and security policy._b0901ad4-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea001.8The Foreign Service will emphasise the role of mediation and dialogue in foreign and security policy.Democracy, Governance & ResilienceBuild democracy, good governance and crisis resilience in fragile states._b0901bb0-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea001.9Fragile StatesAfghanistanBuilding of democracy, good governance and crisis resilience in fragile states, especially in the zone extending from Afghanistan to the Sahel, will be an important part of this work. By supporting democratic and sustainable development and assisting developing economies in climate change mitigation and adaptation, we can help to prevent crises and forced migration.Disasters & CrisesPrepare for unexpected events and participate in alleviating their effects._b0901c8c-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea001.10The Foreign Service is prepared for unexpected events, such as natural disasters and other humanitarian crises, and will participate in alleviating their effects.Terrorism & ExtremismParticipate in international cooperation aimed at combatting terrorism and weakening the breeding ground for extremist movements._b0901d68-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea001.11EUThe fight against terrorism requires seamless cooperation between different actors, including closer cooperation with partner countries in the EU.The increased importance of the link between external and internal security is evident in efforts to counter terrorism and cyber and hybrid threats. The Foreign Service will participate in international cooperation aimed at combatting terrorism and weakening the breeding ground for extremist movements.Hybrid Threats & Crisis ResilienceEngage in international cooperation to prevent hybrid threats and to strengthen national crisis resilience._b0901e4e-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea001.12The Foreign Service will engage in international cooperation to prevent hybrid threats and to strengthen national crisis resilience.Cyber ThreatsParticipate in the fight against cyber threats and promote stability, security and freedom of interaction in the digital environment._b0901f34-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea001.13It will participate in the fight against cyber threats and promote stability, security and freedom of interaction in the digital environment. Arms ControlSupport arms control._b0902088-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea001.14The Foreign Service supports arms control as a means to promote global security.Arms Trafficking & WMDPrevent illicit arms trafficking and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction._b090225e-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea001.15The Foreign Service will work to prevent illicit arms trafficking and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The aim is to promote greater responsibility in the international trade of defence materiel and in the development of weapons technology. RulesPromote a rules-based international system._b090238a-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea002UNFinland benefits from international relations that are based on jointly agreed goals and principles such as those in the UN Charter.The Foreign Service will promote a rules-based international system.International Law & CooperationStrengthen an international system grounded in international law and deepen rules-based cooperation._b0902484-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea002.1UNAs a global organisation, the UN plays a central role in this cooperation, but regional organisations such as the OSCE and the Council of Europe are also important along with the norms they establish.OSCECouncil of EuropeThe Foreign Service will work to strengthen an international system grounded in international law and to deepen rules-based cooperation.EUStrengthen the EU's unity and ability to act, based on the Union’s common legal basis and values. _b090257e-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea002.2EUIn its work, the Foreign Service will give priority to strengthening the EU's unity and ability to act, based on the Union’s common legal basis and values. Fostering the EU as a security community and further developing the Union’s external capabilities will strengthen Finland’s own position as well. A unified EU will contribute most effectively to the promotion of universal values, sustainable development and the security and stability of Europe.WTOSupport the World Trade Organisation (WTO)._b0902786-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea002.3World Trade OrganisationThe EU must take the initiative in actively supporting the World Trade Organisation (WTO). A well-functioning WTO capable of managing globalisation and advancing the rules-based system of international trade is important for Finland.Global ChallengesFoster a high level of ambition in the work of the EU as it responds to global challenges._b0902894-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea002.4EUAdditionally, it is essential to foster a high level of ambition in the work of the EU as it responds to global challenges, such as the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) of the 2030 Agenda and the climate actions required by the Paris Agreement.International AgreementsPromote an international system that is based on agreements._b0902998-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea002.5Finnish SocietyFinnish CompaniesThe Foreign Service will continue to promote an international system that is based on agreements, as this underpins the security and wellbeing of Finnish society and helps Finnish companies operating internationally.AIPromote the development of international regulation in the field of artificial intelligence._b0902a9c-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea002.6The Foreign Service will also promote the development of international regulation in the field of artificial intelligence, in particular from the viewpoint of security policy, democracy, the rule of law and human rights.Human RightsDefend and foster the development of international law and human rights standards._b0902ba0-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea002.7Finland will defend and foster the development of international law and human rights standards. One of the priority areas that Finland will focus on is the work to counter impunity, an essential element of which is the development of the EU’s sanctions mechanism. Economic RelationsPromote open economic relations that foster Finland’s growth and support the involvement of Finnish companies in international trade and value chains._b0902cae-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea003Finnish CompaniesThe Foreign Service will promote open economic relations that foster Finland’s growth and will support the involvement of Finnish companies in international trade and value chains.Trade LiberalisationPromote open economic interaction and solutions that support trade liberalisation._b0902dd0-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea003.1The Foreign Service will promote open economic interaction and solutions that support trade liberalisation, and will support measures that boost the EU's ability to act in trade policy.Trade AgreementsSupport EU trade agreements._b0902f24-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea003.2EUThe Foreign Service will also support EU trade agreements. These form a part of globalisation management and will also be important for Finland's expanding international trade relations and for the country's wellbeing in the changing international operating environment.Business Environments & Trade BarriersEncourage favourable business environments and seek the removal of trade barriers._b0903096-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea003.3The Foreign Service will promote Finland’s exports by encouraging favourable business environments and seeking the removal of trade barriers.Free Trade AgreementsImprove companies' awareness and use of free trade agreements. _b09031cc-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea003.4Finnish CompaniesThe Foreign Service will play a part in improving companies' awareness and use of existing free trade agreements.Value Chains & PartnershipsSupport the participation of Finnish companies in international value chains and foster partnerships based on innovative expertise._b0903320-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea003.5The Foreign Service will support the participation of Finnish companies in international value chains and foster partnerships based on innovative expertise.International Procurements & ProjectsSupport the participation of Finnish entities in international procurements and development cooperation projects._b090344c-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea003.6Additionally, the Foreign Service will support the participation of Finnish entities in international procurements and development cooperation projects.Digitalisation & AIEngage in cooperation on digitalisation and artificial intelligence._b090356e-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea003.7The Foreign Service will actively engage in cooperation on digitalisation, ensuring that the opportunities offered by artificial intelligence, for example, are utilised.Foreign InvestmentAttract foreign investment to Finland._b09036fe-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea003.8Attention will also be focused on attracting foreign investment to Finland.Bioeconomy & Clean SolutionsPromote Finnish expertise in the bioeconomy and clean solutions sectors._b09038c0-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea003.9The Foreign Service will promote the effective utilisation of Finnish expertise in the bioeconomy and clean solutions sectors, including in energy-efficient renewable energy solutions and the opportunities provided by the circular economy.Sustainable DevelopmentPromote sustainable development._b0903b22-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea003.10Through all of these commercial and economic activities, the Foreign Service will seek to promote sustainable development in Finland and globally.Developing CountriesStrengthen sustainable development in developing countries._b0903cd0-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea003.10.1Developing CountriesThe Foreign Service will work to strengthen sustainable development in developing countries also by focusing on the economic foundations, job creation, business and livelihoods, and taxation capacity. Human Rights, Equality & DemocracyStrengthen human rights, equality and democracy._b0903e2e-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea004The Foreign Service will work to strengthen human rights, equality and democracy. The Foreign Service will promote human rights, equality, equity and support for participation as part of global responsibility.Girls & WomenStrengthen the position and rights of girls and women._b0904086-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea004.1GirlsWomenThe Foreign Service will intensify efforts to strengthen the position and rights of girls and women, for instance by supporting the work of international actors and through advocacy and resources. Equality is also supported through observance of the regulations on open international trade.Democracy, Law & ReslienceStrengthen democracy, the rule of law and societal resilience globally._b09041d0-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea004.2The Foreign Service will work to strengthen democracy, the rule of law and societal resilience globally.Education, Training & Capacity BuildingOffer expertise and know-how in education and training as well as related capacity building._b0904310-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea004.3The Foreign Service will offer its cooperation partners information and experience based on Finnish models and practices. This includes offering expertise and know-how in education and training as well as related capacity building.Law, Rights & FreedomPromote the rule of law, human rights, and fundamental freedoms._b0904446-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea004.4EU Member StatesFreedom, democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms serve as the basis of the EU's values and standards. The Foreign Service will work to promote these and to make sure all EU Member States are committed to them. Climate ChangePromote implementation of the 2030 Agenda and work to mitigate climate change._b090457c-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea005The Foreign Service will promote implementation of the 2030 Agenda and will work to mitigate climate change. Finland has pledged to bear its share of the global responsibility for implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. All of the Foreign Service’s priorities promote the attainment of the goals set in the 2030 Agenda.Sustainable DevelopmentPromote sustainable development._b090475c-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea005.1The Foreign Service also promotes sustainable development through its operating practices in the Ministry and the missions abroad. Foreign PolicyEnsure that sustainable development and consistent and coherent action are integral to Finland's foreign policy._b090491e-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea005.2The Foreign Service plays a part in ensuring that sustainable development and consistent and coherent action are integral to Finland's foreign policy overall and that there is improved coordination between all administrative branches. AfricaPromote of sustainable development in Africa._b0904a72-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea005.3AfricaThrough development policy and development cooperation, Africa will remain Finland's central partner in the promotion of sustainable development.Experiences & PracticesEmphasise Finland's experiences and practices._b0904bc6-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea005.4In its international cooperation, the Foreign Service will emphasise Finland's experiences and practices. These include the priorities set out in the Government Report on the Implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, namely a carbon-neutral and resource-wise Finland and a non-discriminating, equal and competent Finland.Paris AgreementPromote implementation of the Paris Agreement on climate change._b0904efa-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea005.5The Foreign Service will promote implementation of the Paris Agreement on climate change and take part in international cooperation to mitigate climate change and to promote adaptation, including through the energy and climate diplomacy of the EU.Developing CountriesFocus on environmentally sustainable development in developing countries._b0905058-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea005.6Developing CountriesIn addition, the Foreign Service will focus more strongly on environmentally sustainable development in developing countries by supporting sector-specific programmes in these countries, participating in international climate and environmental financing and by taking part in normative work.Clean TechPromote exports, innovations and investment in Finnish cleantech expertise._b09051b6-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea005.7The Foreign Service will support sustainable development by promoting exports, innovations and investment in Finnish cleantech expertise, as well as striving to strengthen research and innovation activities.Energy & CarbonPromote clean energy and circular economy solutions and reduction of the adverse effects of black carbon._b090530a-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea005.8The Foreign Service will promote clean energy and circular economy solutions and reduction of the adverse effects of black carbon.Arctic CooperationStrengthen wellbeing both in the Arctic region and globally._b090545e-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea005.9The aim of Arctic cooperation will be to strengthen wellbeing both in the Arctic region and globally by promoting viewpoints that cover security, the environment and climate issues, as well as commercial and economic considerations. ServicesProvide services._b09055bc-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea006The Foreign Service will provide a range of services. The Foreign Service serves the entire state administration, citizens, companies, organisations, the media and other stakeholders. The functioning of the Foreign Service is dependent on a comprehensive and agile network of diplomatic and consular missions abroad, which offers channels and tools that should be utilised to the maximum. The rapidly changing environment requires that the Foreign Service is capable of effective anticipation, monitoring, analysis, information distribution and flexible use of resources. With its diverse range of expertise, it is possible for Finland to promote its objectives and to improve risk management as part of comprehensive security even in rapidly changing conditions. Strengthening Finland's crisis resilience and that of the Foreign Service is of key importance. Effective bilateral and multilateral diplomacy at various levels, based on solid expertise and compact networks, is an indispensable tool of the Foreign Service for getting its views heard.Digitalisation & Social MediaIncrease attention on digitalisation, including social media._b0905710-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea006.1The Foreign Service will focus increasing attention on digitalisation, and this will include social media as an operating environment.Business ServicesServe the needs of companies._b0905864-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea006.2The Foreign Service will also serve the needs of companies. The roles and responsibilities of Heads of Mission as leaders of Team Finland activities will grow. This will be based on close cooperation and coordinated goal-setting in cooperation with the Business Finland organisation.Export PromotionDevelop know-how in export promotion._b09059d6-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea006.3The Foreign Service will also systematically develop its know-how in export promotion.Consular & Entry Permit ServicesProvide consular and entry permit services._b0905b34-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea006.4A growing number of Finns and foreigners use the consular and entry permit services provided by the Foreign Service. The services provided on a daily basis can include travel safety, assistance for Finns in distress abroad, crises requiring consular assistance and contingency planning, issuing passports and visas, handling cases of death abroad, and entry permit and family reunification matters.VisasRapidly process of visa applications._b0905c92-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea006.5It is important to ensure that the services provided by the Foreign Service give a positive signal to international experts considering living in Finland. Rapid processing of visa applications will facilitate foreign visitors' smooth arrival in Finland, ensuring that the Finnish economy can benefit from the euros spent by them.Consular Service DevelopmentFurther develop consular services._b0905e2c-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea006.6The consular services offered by the Foreign Service will be further developed with due regard to the upcoming amendments to the Consular Services Act and the needs of Finnish missions abroad.Communications & BrandingPromote Finland’s interests through effective communications and country branding work._b0905fda-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea006.7Finland’s interests will be promoted through effective communications and country branding work. The public diplomacy and country branding work of the Foreign Service are based on Finland’s position as a state governed by the rule of law, a dynamic Nordic welfare state rooted in equality and Western values, and a state that holds the European Union as its most important political reference group.Economic RelationsPresent and promote Finnish know-how, key experts, culture, curiosities and phenomena, and the strengths of Finnish society._b0906214-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea006.8External economic relations will be supported by presenting and promoting Finnish know-how, key experts, culture, curiosities and phenomena, and the strengths of Finnish society.Awareness & ImplementationMake the strategic priorities widely known and support implementation._b09063b8-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea006.9The Foreign Service will make the strategic priorities laid down in this policy paper widely known through various channels of communication and will also support the implementation of these priorities.Communications SkillsImprove the communications skills of Foreign Service personnel._b0906534-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea006.10Special attention will be paid to improving the communications skills of Foreign Service personnel.IT SkillsUpdate information technology skills in the Foreign Service._b09067b4-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea006.11The changes brought about by the increasingly rapid progress of artificial intelligence and the algorithm economy require effective updating of information technology skills in the Foreign Service.SafetySafeguard the ability of the Foreign Service to operate effectively._b0906d7c-a6dd-11ea-a1fe-92142f83ea006.12Safeguarding the ability of the Foreign Service to operate effectively will be of greater significance in a rapidly changing international operating environment. 2018-01-012022-12-312020-06-04https://um.fi/documents/35732/0/Strategic%20priority%20areas%20in%20the%20Foreign%20Service%2014.3.2018%20%282%29.pdf/8802ce3a-056f-5ca6-08e9-1cb776a7342b?t=1533649959681OwenAmburOwen.Ambur@verizon.net